Consider motorcycle security as a series of layers. The more layers, or devices a thief has to defeat the less likely he is to beat every one!

75% of machines are taken from owners’ homes - make sure you use additional security when parking your machine in the shed, or garage.

Do not clean or leave your bike unnecessarily on the front drive where it can be easily seen.

Any decent thief will have a van - make sure your bike is secured to an anchor point to prevent them/him lifting it!

Buy the highest quality padlock and chain you can afford.

Buy the longest chain you can carry - to allow you to include lampposts and street furniture as anchor points.

Secure your machine through the frame as wheels are easily removed.

Chain to another biker's chain and improve each other's security! (with the other biker's agreement).

Keep your chain above the ground to prevent the ground being used as an anvil.

Park as close as possible to your home or workplace to alert you to what's going on!

Consider fitting a marking or tagging kit such as Smartwater, Datatag or AlphaDot.

Buy an unbranded cover. If a passing thief cannot see your bike or what make it is he will be less likely to nick it.

Get to know your neighbours and ask them to keep an eye on your machine.

Fit a ground anchor between your bike and a wall, or even under your bike - to make attack difficult.

Point an old video camera out of your window.

Fit a security light.

Fit a brake disc lock.

Use a baby alarm to listen for garage intruders.

If you have a garage - use it, but consider beefing up the doors, windows and locks.

If you don't have a garage - or can't build one - why not ask if you can share, or rent space in a neighbours?

Hide or secure your garage/bike keys. A determined thief will break into your house and take the keys.

Have spare parts posted to your work address as many thieves work in the motorcycle industry and note interesting models.

Vary your route home and check that you are not being followed.

Unlike the Harley owner with the shotgun, or the electrician with the real 'sting' bike don't be tempted to rig up devices to injure a potential thief. You are likely to be up in court yourself on attempted murder or GBH charges - that's if you remember to disarm them first!

Look out for Sold-Secure or Thatcham endorsed security products as they are proven to work!

Consider spending around 10% of your total budget on additional security. You'll certainly pay more than this if your bike gets nicked!